The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare As you view the play, keep track of the dramatic elements of each

act. Refer to the above notes. Act I - ___________________ setting where and when does the play take place protagonist antagonist basic conflict inciting moment Act II - __________________ secondary conflicts 1. 2. obstacles that frustrate the protagonists attempts to reach his goal 1. 2. 3. Act III - ______________________ How do things begin to go badly for the protagonist? Explain.

Act IV - ________________________ How does the protagonist appear to be losing to the antagonist? Where does it appear that the final outcome of the conflict may be in doubt? Act V - ________________________ What is the catastrophe of the play?

Shakespearean Drama Based on Greek and Roman Models English lit/comp C. Brazelton Classical drama and Shakespearean drama share a dramatic structure. These plays are written in five acts with each act having a purpose. Act I Exposition background information setting - where and when the story takes place introduction of characters - include the protagonist (main character) and the antagonist the character who opposes the main character) basic conflict - what is the problem? the inciting moment the single incident that sets the storys action in motion there would be no story without it. Act II Rising Action secondary conflicts other complications that come up in addition to the main complication obstacles frustrate the protagonists attempts to reach his goal Act III Climax the turning point a change, for better or worse, in the protagonists affairs in a comedy, things may have been going badly but now go in the protagonists favor in a tragedy, things may have been going well and now begin to go badly Act IV Falling Action the conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist unravels in a comedy, the protagonist appears to be winning against the antagonist in a tragedy, the protagonist appears to be losing to the antagonist there is a moment of final suspense where the final outcome of the conflict is in doubt Act V Denouement Resolution or Catastrophe a comedy ends with resolution all is better for the protagonist a tragedy ends with catastrophe all is in ruins for the protagonist